Festivals

Lohri is a popular Punjabi festival celebrated warmly in New Delhi, especially among Sikh and Punjabi communities. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The festival is traditionally associated with the harvest of sugarcane and wheat. In many colonies and neighborhoods, people gather around a bonfire in the evening. They throw sesame seeds, popcorn, and peanuts into the fire as part of the ritual. Traditional songs are sung, and people dance to the beats of dhol and bhangra. Families celebrate Lohri with special foods like gur (jaggery), rewri, and makki di roti with sarson ka saag. The festival holds special importance for newlyweds and newborn babies in the family. Lohri brings neighbors and communities together, creating a cheerful and warm environment. People share sweets and greet each other with good wishes. The festival usually falls on 13th January. It is a time of joy, music, and togetherness in Delhi’s winter season.

Independence Day is a national festival celebrated with great pride and patriotism in New Delhi. It takes place every year on 15th August to honor India’s freedom from British rule in 1947. The main event is held at the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech to the nation. Thousands of people gather to watch the ceremony, which includes cultural performances, parades, and the singing of the national anthem. Schools and colleges across Delhi organize special programs, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and competitions. Many government buildings and monuments are decorated with tricolor lighting. Citizens display the national flag on their vehicles and homes. Independence Day reminds people of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. It also encourages feelings of unity, respect, and responsibility toward the nation. The atmosphere in Delhi becomes patriotic and festive. This day is a public holiday, and people spend time with family after the celebrations. Overall, it is a day of national pride and unity for everyone in New Delhi.

Durga Puja is a major cultural festival celebrated grandly in New Delhi, especially in areas like Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), where the Bengali community organizes huge celebrations. The festival honors Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. Beautifully crafted pandals (temporary temples) are set up, each with unique designs and themes. For five days, devotees visit these pandals to offer prayers, enjoy cultural programs, and celebrate with their families. Traditional Bengali dishes and sweets are served at food stalls near the pandals. Artists from various parts of India contribute to the decorations, making each pandal a visual delight. The evenings are filled with music, dance, and stage performances. People dress in traditional attire and participate in the rituals. Durga Puja also brings families and communities together, creating a warm festive spirit. The immersion of the idol on the last day marks the end of the festival. The celebration usually occurs in September or October.

Holi is a vibrant and joyful festival celebrated with great excitement in New Delhi. It marks the arrival of the spring season and the triumph of good over evil. The celebration begins with Holika Dahan the night before Holi, where a bonfire is lit to symbolize the burning of negativity. On the day of Holi, people play with dry colors, water balloons, and colorful water. Friends, neighbors, and family members greet each other by applying colors and saying “Happy Holi”. Traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai are enjoyed during the festival. Many housing societies and parks in Delhi organize Holi parties with music, food, and dance. The streets of the city come alive with laughter, drums, and joyful celebrations. Children especially enjoy the festival with water guns and color sprays. Holi also promotes unity as people forget differences and celebrate together. Though fun, many people now prefer using organic and safe colors. The festival usually takes place in March every year and brings a cheerful atmosphere to the entire city.

Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in New Delhi. It represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. A few days before Diwali, people start cleaning and decorating their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Markets across Delhi, such as Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar, become beautifully decorated and crowded with shoppers. Homes are lit up with diyas, candles, and colorful string lights. Rangoli designs are made at the entrance to add beauty to the celebrations. Families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening and pray for prosperity. People exchange sweets, gifts, and dry fruits with relatives and friends. Delicious food and traditional sweets like laddoos and barfis are prepared. Many offices and societies in Delhi conduct small Diwali functions. Fireworks light up the sky at night, although awareness for eco-friendly celebrations is growing. The whole city glows with lights, joy, and festive energy. Diwali usually falls in October or November every year.